"Ernestine, my bride, I love you so much..."

These were the words spoken by my 90-year-old grandfather last Sunday at 2:30pm. My grandmother and my cousin Sarah were each holding one of his hands. He passed away at 3:05. I am so thankful that he was able to say these words to my ailing grandmother, his wife of over 66 years. He was smart and alert right to the end (he was sitting up in bed reading the Sunday paper that very morning!).

As my children and I travel to his funeral, it causes me to reflect on those things that are important and long-lasting on this earth. My dear brides, your wedding day is special and important, no doubt. But I wish you deeper things than a gorgeous, fun wedding: May you dance at the wedding celebrations of your grandchildren. May life give you challenges that show you and your husband that your relationship has the staying power you hoped for. May you see your great-grandchild born, grow and mature into young people of whom you are very proud.

Planning your ceremony and reception is difficult and sometimes stressful, but remember to keep your focus on the important things. When you are at the end of this life, you will not care that your flowers were not the exact shade of pink that you had in your mind, or that the DJ played the hokey-pokey when you asked him not to at your meeting 8 months ago, or that Uncle Fred got a little too tipsy at the reception and told your new in-laws about the time you were 5 and shoved a pea up your nose at the Thanksgiving dinner table. These are not the enduring things that define your life. Have the best, most gorgeous wedding you can, for sure. But be ready for 60+ years of ups and downs, a lot of joy, some sadness, and a lot of surprises along the way.

All the best! - Emily

9th Street Abbey

Here are some springy pictures of a wedding we did at 9th Street Abbey in Soulard. The wedding was on April 26th, when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom!!




These are shots of the whole room from the balcony above.

Two different arrangements were used to decorate the guest tables. One was all cherry blossom branches and the other was a submerged green cymbidium orchid with the bride's candles.

The overall look of the room showed the bride's style while it complimented the historic Abbey.

Grand Hyatt at Union Station

Here are a few pics from one of our most recent weddings at Grand Hyatt Union Station:







Tall and short centerpieces with all white flowers were used. Tulips, hydrangea, snapdragons, curly willow and pheasant feathers filled these tall cylinders.













Shorter clusters of vases with similar white flowers balanced out the other tables.

Alternating cluster vases were used to line the middle of the head table.

As an extra special treat, the guests were able to find their place cards on top of a bed of pink carnations. This box was approximately 2 ft. x 4ft. and held over 200 carnations!! Sisters Flowers rents this white wooden box to be filled with similar flowers or short grass and flowers for any event.